Jul 02 2009
Swingin’ By the Sea
Once again, I’m astounded by how quickly a month has gone by and it’s time again for Flourishes’ pre-release challenge. This month the theme is “By the Sea”. We are to incorporate the feel of the sea in our creation, whether with a color scheme, an embellishment, stamps, a photo, or anything our imaginations dream up. You do not need Flourishes stamps to participate. A winner will be drawn randomly from among the participants, and the prize is all three of Flourishes’ July releases. This might be your lucky month! More details can be found on the Newsletter.
I did a rather literal interpretation of the challenge, using Swing Set and a sentiment from Life, Love & Lemons. The image and sentiment seem to go together perfectly. I was inspired by memories of the green, rolling farmland along Highway 1, just north of San Francisco. We’ve traveled that route many times, including just last week, and I’ve always found it a rather storybook scene. I hope you can tell that’s supposed to be the ocean in the background.
I stamped the image on Classic White cardstock with Ranger Distress Vintage Photo ink, and colored with Copics from the Evergreen, Hollyhock, and Sky collections. When I colored the sky, I used the lightest shade of blue in the collection, then went over it with the blender pen to remove some of the color. The butterfly is cut from the designer paper and mounted on dimensional tape.
Of course, you know this means we’ll begin previewing the new sets next Wednesday. I think you’ll like them. I certainly do! I’m certain you’ll enjoy visiting the rest of the team to see their interpretations of the challenge: Christine, Cindy, Faith, Latisha, Laura, Stacy, and Sharon. I believe Cindy has another wonderful Copic coloring video for you, too.
I hope you all have a happy and safe weekend! It looks like we’re in for beautiful weather which I’ll be enjoying with my family for a three day 4th of July weekend. Take good care, and let’s get together again soon!
Stamps: Swing Set; Life, Love & Lemons Paper: Classic White, Pink Pirouette, BasicGrey Urban Prairie designer paper Ink: Ranger Distress Vintage Photo Accessories: Offray ribbon, ticket corner punch, 3/4″ circle punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
What a perfect card, Leslie. Your ocean background is superb! I adore the wide polka dot ribbon and your butterly - well, I’m smitten with your butterly. You used all of my favorite DPs too. The sentiment nailed it for me. {{Hugs}}
Wow she looks like she is enjoying life, what a beautiful card Leslie!!
Your coloring is amazing! Like a real art, and it is a real art! Love the papers you used on this card and pretty butterfly! Thank you for sharing your talent, Leslie!
Leslie, you captured this beautifully. There’s no doubt what kind of scene it is, and I love the leisure feel it gives. If there was one thing I loved to do growing up it was swinging. Sometimes I’d get up early and just go out and swing. This card is beautiful. Your coloring is wonderful. That blender pen is a great little tool. Have a happy and safe holiday week-end with your family!
Oh, I definitely see the ocean in your lovely background! That’s a fun stamp image, which is saying something for me because I’m usually not a big fan of stamps featuring humans. Linda
WOW! I love this! I love the way you created the by the sea scene! Fabulous copic coloring and your papers are perfect!
So pretty!!!
Leslie your hillside looks fabulous! I can’t believe you created a scene with this same image I have. lol No way I would of thought of that… Great work as always!
Leslie, this card is just BEAUTIFUL! What a picture-perfect seaside scene! Now, if only we could teleport ourselves into that scene…THAT would be perfect!
I’ve been on highway 1 several times and immediately noticed the blue water and rolling hills - you’ve captured the feeling perfectly!
This is gorgeous! Relaxing and Serene!
OMgoodness, this is gorgeous!!! Love the scene and your beautiful coloring!!!
Yep, I noticed the ocean in the bg right away. This is the most beautiful card. I love how the beautifully colored image stands out with your simple layout. And I’m smacking my head over your cut out butterfly embellishment. Now why didn’t I think of that?
AMAZING Leslie!! Gorgeous card!!
hugs
Latisha
Your card as a whole is absolutely beautiful. Your scenery is amazing! I love it Leslie. Thanks for putting so much time into your blog. I have really enjoyed reading every bit of it.
~Pam
http://stampsinc.blogspot.com/
Come visit me sometime!
I can totally tell that is the ocean in the background, Leslie!! What a beautiful interpretation of the challenge…and your coloring is so wonderful too!!
Wonderful just wonderful. I love your ocean in the background.
What a beautiful scenery you created with this Set!!! Your card is absolutely wonderful - Leslie!!! Love it!!!
What a great card! It brings back loads of memories of summers in my childhood. Love the scene you created.
Hugs
Heather
Oh what a lovely creation…love the scene you created here as well the great DP you used!
so pretty, great summer image and love the papers you have chosen to go with it, excellent coloring!
Beautiful scene Leslie!! You are so talented my friend!
You are amazing Leslie. This is a gorgeous scene…what a fantastic use of this set. It looks so sweet and dreamy. Just beautifully done, and so inspiring!
This is definately a seashore feel kind of a scene and so beautifully colored with your new Copics
I can’t wait to see all the new Flourishes sets and how you color them. Have fun with your new toys 
TFS
Wow! I feel like I am there! Your talent never ceases to amaze me!
Such a fun, carefree card! Makes me want to find a swing - if only I didn’t get motion sick so easily!